Sinochem Petroleum Exploration & Production Company Limited (Sinochem E&P) acquired Soco International Plc (Soco) wholly-owned subsidiary which indirectly holds a 16.78% interest in the East Shabwa Development Area (Block 10) in Yemen, operated by TOTAL.  Sinochem E&P is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sinochem Corporation, engaged in the businesses of oil & gas exploration and production, with operated projects in the United Arab Emirates and non-operated interests in Tunisia, Ecuador, and China. Established in 1950, Sinochem Corporation is one of the four key national oil companies in China.    SOCO is a LSE listed international oil and gas exploration and production company, headquartered in London.  Soco has interests in Vietnam, Thailand, the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), Angola and ongoing production operations in Yemen. BNP Paribas was acting as the exclusive financial advisor to Sinochem E&P. This transaction marks the first outbound oil & gas E&P acquisition transaction from China as advised by BNP Paribas Corporate Finance.